Ceremony Information for Students

It's your big day! Follow the directions below to make it go smoothly. Here's a map of the lower level of the Convocation Center [PDF] where you will be before the ceremony.

Pre-Procession Checklist

Make sure you purchase the appropriate cap and gown from the EMU bookstore. Undergraduates wear green and graduates wear black.

You should have the name/address card you received with your tickets with you. Make sure you have filled it out completely and spelled your name phonetically on the back. The card is used to announce you and mail your photo proof.

Make sure your guests have their tickets as they cannot enter the building without them.

Please do not bring any bags into the Convocation Center. Anything you arrive with is subject to search.

Give coats, phones/cameras or other personal items to your guests to hold during the ceremony. You may not bring any items with you onto the Convocation Center floor and will not be able to return to the lower level rooms after the ceremony.

Food, beverages and selfie sticks are not permitted in the Convocation Center.

Ceremony Timelines

Colleges of: Business, Education and Health and Human Services

7:30 a.m. Doors open. Plan to arrive before 8:30 a.m.

9 a.m. Assemble in the lower level of the Convocation Center.

9:10 a.m. After you're lined up, the marshals and staff will give you the signal to proceed into the Convocation Center arena.

9:30 a.m. Commencement program begins.

Colleges of: Arts and Sciences and Technology

Noon: Doors open. Plan to arrive before 12:30 p.m.

1 p.m. Line up in the lower level of the Convocation Center.

1:10 p.m. After you're lined up, the marshals and staff will give you the signal to proceed into the Convocation Center arena.

1:30 p.m. Commencement program begins.

How to Wear Your Regalia

Cap and Gown

The gown must be hooked at the collar and remain hooked. The long point of the cap should be at the back with the tassel over the right temple.

Hoods (Graduate Students)

Be sure that the green and white satin is tucked inside so the bottom portion of the hood appears entirely black. Place the hood over your head so the narrow velvet edge is at your throat with the looped string down. Hook the string to the button on the inside of your robe near the zipper. There is another string on the back portion of your hood. Ask a friend or Commencement volunteer to hook it to the button and press out the satin colors.

Your tassel should be on the left.

Dark shoes are preferred; flowers should not be worn.

Following the tradition, men should remove their caps during the national anthem.

The Ceremony

Upon the request of the provost, the candidates for bachelor's degree will stand as a group. After the presentation and acceptance by the representative of the Board of Regents, all persons should be seated.

The marshal will signal you to stand, one row at a time to come forward for your diploma cover.

You will walk to the stage and give your name/address card to the name reader.

After your name is called, walk forward, take your diploma cover as your photo is taken and return to your chair.

Remain in seated throughout the ceremony.

Follow the direction of the marshals for the recessional.

After the Ceremony

You'll then be directed outside the Convocation Center. Make arrangements with your guests to meet at a designated spot outside after the ceremony has ended. You won't be able to go back into Convocation Center after the ceremony.